Brewers bullpen melts down again; Chad Durbin pitching well

July 30, 2012

Milwaukee Brewers – The Brewers bullpen had another meltdown on Sunday, and all of their top relievers were to blame; John Axford, Francisco Rodriguez, and Jose Veras all gave up multiple runs.  Earlier this week, Ron Roenicke declared a closer-by-committee, with several Brewers beat writers thought Axford would quickly win his job back.  He’s still likely to do so before the end of the season, but the Brewers may look elsewhere for saves in the near future.  No hierarchy change.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedMIL |Axford |Rodriguez |Veras |Axford |7/30/12

 
Atlanta Braves – With Jonny Venters’ inconsistency and the team’s desire to stretch Kris Medlen out, the Braves have been searching for a steady 7th inning man all season.  They may have found one in Chad Durbin, who after a rough start has allowed only 4 ERs in his last 28 innings, a span of 35 appearances.  On Sunday, he bailed Venters out in the 6th inning and then stayed on for the 7th, recording his 10th hold of the year.  Hierarchy change: Chad Durbin to 2nd in line, replacing Jonny Venters.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedATL |Kimbrel |O'Flaherty |Durbin |Kimbrel |7/30/12

 
Minnesota Twins – Alex Burnett pitched the 7th inning on Sunday ahead of Jared Burton and Glen Perkins, earning his 7th hold of the season.  Tyler Robertson has struggled as of late, giving up runs in his last three appearances.  Hierarchy change: Alex Burnett to 2nd in line, replacing Tyler Robertson.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedMIN |Perkins |Burton |Burnett |Perkins |7/30/12 |Capps(DL) |

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Vicente Padilla, Boston Red Sox – Alfredo Aceves pitched 2.1 innings last night, his second night of work in a row.
2. Jared Burton, Minnesota Twins – The Twins are employing a committee, and while Glen Perkins remains the best bet for saves, Jared Burton could get an opportunity whenever the Twins are facing a righty-heavy lineup.

Matt Capps back on the DL, closer-by-committee resumes in Minnesota

July 18, 2012

Minnesota Twins – Before Tuesday’s game, the Twins said Matt Capps would be unavailable due to a strained shoulder; then, in the wee hours this morning, they put him back on the DL.  Glen Perkins and Jared Burton will resume their closer-by-committee in the mean time.  Burton got the save last night.  Hierarchy change: Glen Perkins to Closer, Jared Burton to Set-up, Tyler Robertson to 2nd in line, Matt Capps to DL.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedMIN |Perkins |Burton |Robertson |Perkins |7/18/12 |Capps(DL) |

Tyler Robertson moves up for Twins

July 4, 2012
Minnesota Twins –  Tyler Robertson pitched a perfect 8th with the Twins up 1 as he picked up his 2nd hold in three games.  Robertson was called up from Triple-A Rochester when Matt Capps was put on the DL and has been used in a bunch of late inning situations.  He also has some closer experience in the minors as he has 18 saves over the past two seasons.   Hierarchy change: Tyler Robertson to 2nd in line replacing Alex Burnett.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedMIN |Perkins |Burton |Robertson |Capps |7/4/12 |Capps(DL) |

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Jared Burton, Minnesota Twins – Glen Perkins has pitched 4 games in a row and Burton got the night off last night so he will likely get the call if their is a save opportunity.
2. Jose Veras, Milwaukee Brewers – John Axford and Francisco Rodriguez have both pitched in three straight games.
3. Joel Peralta/Kyle Farnsworth, Tampa Bay Rays – Fernando Rodney has pitched in 3 straight and 4 of the past 5 games.  Peralta could get a save but he has pitched in 2 straight and 3 of 4 so Kyle Farnsworth could see his first save opportunity since coming off the DL.